The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying at least 23,000 of its personnel nationwide to help secure the resumption of face-to-face classes on Monday, Aug. 22.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the policemen will be deployed in school premises on Monday, mostly in police assistance desks that will be set up near the entrance gate of school campuses nationwide.
Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police units across the country to start implementing security measures to ensure the safety of students and teachers for the resumption of face-to-face classes on Aug. 22.
Azurin said he had already ordered the circulation of a memorandum addressed to all unit commanders, especially chiefs of police, to start the strategic deployment of their personnel and intensify aw enforcement activities at learning institutions, transportation hubs and places of convergence.
"This is to prevent and suppress the occurrence of crime incidents like physical injuries, pickpocket, snatching, and other forms of robbery and theft wherein students, teachers, and parents/guardians are vulnerable," said Azurin.
“Influx of individuals during in-person classes is also expected, thus, PNP Covid-19 patrollers will also be deployed to ensure that the minimum public health standards such as observing physical distance, proper and frequent handwashing, and wearing face masks shall remain implemented, especially in places or regions with high-risk classifications," he added.
The memorandum stipulates that all unit commanders must coordinate and participate in meetings with school authorities as well as parents and teachers sssociation to carry out public safety services, such as illegal drugs prevention, education and other necessary anti-criminality programs.
It stated that police stations should also conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises to monitor and evaluate the daily activities and prevent outsiders to mingle with pupils/students that may influence them in engaging in vices and illegal activities.
"Concerned police stations are also directed to coordinate with concerned LGUs regarding the strict implementation of zoning ordinance within the school zones that prohibit the operation of video game shops, billiards establishments, and other distractive games and recreations within the immediate vicinity of schools, particularly in the U-Belt area of Manila," the memorandum reads.